Despite the rise of other media platforms, Facebook remains a dominant leader as the most used social media platform worldwide. One of its most thoughtful features for users are the many capabilities that come with the legacy contact feature. As a legacy contact, one can write a pinned post, respond to new friend requests, update an account’s profile picture, download any shared data and request for the account to be deleted. The account owner’s privacy is still protected as a legacy contact is prevented from logging in and seeing private messages.
Keep in mind that only users aged 18 or older can select a legacy contact. Alternatively, you can choose to have your account permanently deleted after your passing. If neither option is set up beforehand, someone with a valid will or court order may request that your account be memorialized or deleted. While Facebook offers several ways to manage your account after death, the most seamless and secure option is to assign a legacy contact in advance. To do this, go to Menu from your main profile, open Settings & Privacy, and tap Settings. From there, select Accounts Centre, go to Personal Details under Account Settings, tap Account Ownership and Control, then choose Memorialization. Finally, select the account you want to manage and tap Next to add your legacy contact.
As our lives become increasingly digital, proactively managing your digital assets ensures your story is protected and responsibly passed on to those we trust.
Source: Facebook. “Add, Change, or Remove Your Legacy Contact on Facebook.” Facebook Help Center, https://www.facebook.com/help/1070665206293088/?locale=en_GB. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
Blessings,
Jack E. Stephens, J.D., LL.M